Command Syntax

All examples that show commands or file contents appear in monospace font and assume the use of the Bourne shell. The dollar prompt ($) at the beginning of the UNIX command examples is the default UNIX command prompt. Do not enter it in the examples.

backslash \

A backslash indicates a command that is too long to fit on a single line. Enter the line as printed (with a backslash) or enter it as a single line without a backslash:dd if=/dev/rdsk/c0t1d0s6 of=/dev/rst0 bs=10b \ count=10000

braces { }

Braces indicate required items: .DEFINE {macro1}

brackets [ ]

Brackets indicate optional items: cvtcrt termname [outfile]

Note that brackets have a different meaning when used in regular text.

ellipses ...

Ellipses indicate an arbitrary number of similar items:CHKVAL fieldname value1 value2 ... valueN

italics

Italic type indicates a variable. Substitute a value for the variable: library_name

vertical line |

A vertical line indicates a choice within braces or brackets:SIZE filesize [K|M]

Accessing Installed Documentation

Oracle8i release 3 (8.1.7) for SGI IRIX documentation includes this guide and the Oracle8i Administrator's Reference Release 3 (8.1.7) 64 Bit for SGI IRIX. You can install documentation in HTML and PDF (Adobe Portable Document Format, which requires Acrobat Reader) formats. Platform-specific documentation files are installed from the Oracle8i CD-ROM. Generic documentation files are installed from the Oracle8i Online Generic Documentation CD-ROM. The location of the documentation files is determined according to the following rules:

If the ORACLE_DOC environment variable is defined, the files are installed in that directory.

If the ORACLE_DOC environment variable is not defined but the ORACLE_BASE environment variable is defined, the files are installed in the $ORACLE_BASE/doc directory.

If neither the ORACLE_DOC nor the ORACLE_BASE environment variables are defined, the files are installed in the $ORACLE_HOME/doc directory.

To access the documentation, use a web browser to open either the index.htm or products.htm files (the latter file does not a require a frames-enabled browser). If you prefer paper documentation, you can print the PDF files.

Oracle Product Documentation

Oracle8i product documentation is available on the Oracle8i On-Line Generic Documentation CD-ROM. The README file in the top level directory of the CD-ROM contains instructions for accessing and installing the documents on the CD-ROM.

Oracle Information Navigator

Oracle Information Navigator is a Java-based search and navigation utility provided with Oracle online documentation. If you are using a Java-enabled browser, Information Navigator is launched automatically when you open the index.htm file at the top level of the CD-ROM. You can use the Information Navigator with Oracle documentation, whether you are reading from the CD-ROM or from installed files.

Related Documentation

If you are unfamiliar with the concepts or terminology associated with relational database management systems, read Chapter 1 in Oracle8i Concepts before beginning your installation.

Information on system administration and tuning a production database system is provided in these documents:

Information on migrating or upgrading from a previous release of the Oracle Server is provided inOracle8i Migration.

Oracle Services and Support

Oracle Corporation offers a wide range of support services, including Oracle Education courses, Oracle Consulting services, and Oracle Worldwide Customer Support. Information on Oracle products and global services is available on the Internet, from:

Oracle Support Services

This site provides templates to help you prepare information on your problem before you call. You also need your CSI number (if applicable) or complete contact details, including any special project information relating to the problem.